Media Training 101 With Nicole Schwegman

How can we craft a powerful message?

A message that says everything we need to say in a neat package?

A message that can inspire everyone from your small team at work, to tens of thousands when you're behind the camera or mic?

On this episode of Become More Compelling Radio, my friend Nicole Schwegman (@bffwiththechef on IG) is going to walk us through crafting a powerful, clear message.

Think of this episode as media training 101.

"But Jeff, I'm not media facing in my company, should I listen to this episode?"

YES!

Many of Nicole's tips will absolutely help if you're sitting down with media. (TV, Radio, Podcasts, etc.) But the lessons here are 100% applicable to you if you've ever:

• Sat down for a job interview.
• Had to answer tough questions asked by a boss.
• Lead a team of any size.

More about Nicole:

Nicole Schwegman is a public affairs officer in the U.S. military. She’s served in the Navy for nearly 16 years where she’s had the opportunity to help media train some of American’s most senior military leaders.

She is also a home chef, food enthusiast and the host of BFF with the Chef, the podcast that aims to make home cooks better in the kitchen by sharing cheffy insights from each week's culinary guest.

Disclaimer for this show: Nicole's opinions expressed in this episode are her own, they do NOT reflect the views or opinions of the U.S. military.

Listen to Nicole's podcast BFF with the Chef here

Highlights:

• 15:10 - Why having talking points is crucial.
• ​43:11 - Nicole teaches Fact, Bridge, Message (FBM). Your secret weapon for staying on message every time.
  
• 1:00:51 - How one of Nicole's students used FBM to handle a VERY tough question while on stage.

Listening Options:

Show Notes & Links:

06:39 - Nicole's origin story.
10:40 - How I met Nicole. (Ramit Sethi video I created)
13:20 - Who typically needs media training?
15:10 - Media Training 101: Why having talking points is crucial.
21:00 - Bill Clinton / George H. W. Bush town hall video.
24:30 - How to answer tough questions.
27:40 - How Steve Jobs handled the iPhone 4 PR issue.
30:25 - How to develop media literacy.
34:31 - Book mentioned: Robert Greene The Laws of Human Nature.
38:50 - Book mentioned: Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance
40:30 - Why reading books can make you a more compelling person.
43:11 - Nicole teaches Fact, Bridge, Message (FBM). Your secret weapon for staying on message every time.
48:29 - Know what it is your audience needs to hear from you and deliver that message.
50:30 - Nicole talks about a time where someone didn't use FBM. A slow motion train wreck ensues.
56:00 - How to practice staying on message before you're in the spotlight.
1:00:51 - How one of Nicole's students used FBM to handle a VERY tough question.
1:06:20 - How to convey your message via stories and emotion.
1:11:00 - How to "trim the fat" from your story to increase its effectiveness.
1:19:30 - Nicole's podcast BFF with the Chef.
1:22:39 - Use Nicole's podcast to learn how to cook a meal, then invite some friends over for a dinner party!

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